LET THE GAMES BEGIN | LV CRUISE SHOW IN RIO DE JANEIRO

Rio de Janeiro; a vibrant, beating pulse of a city; one that palpitates under not only the watchful eye of Christ the Redeemer, but more recently in the run-up to the Olympic games – the global press.

Louis Vuitton | Cruise Show 2017 | Photography by Louis Vuitton

The colourful capital is facing immense pressure to postpone the games, with world whispers of an imminent ‘Zika disaster’ spreading even faster than the disease itself. However it’s controversial that the 2016 host stands undeterred, with rebellious Rio instead insisting: ‘the show must go on’.

Louis Vuitton | Cruise Show 2017 | Photography by Louis Vuitton

And so was the attitude of Louis Vuitton’s Artistic Director Nicholas Ghesquiére in the run up to the Maison’s 2017 Cruise Show, held in Rio at the Niteroi Museum of Contemporary art; a futuristic, architectural masterpiece overlooking the city’s Guanabara bay.

Louis Vuitton | Cruise Show 2017 | Photography by Louis Vuitton

Celebrities, guests and journalists alike sat obediently on coloured stools that spiralled a makeshift runway on the outdoor plaza. Meanwhile,the world tuned in as sport detailing, multi-pocketed trousers and cropped silhouettes were streamed across social media in their masses.

Louis Vuitton | Cruise Show 2017 | Photography by Louis Vuitton

Brazilian flair was in abundance, with Ghesquiére channelling carnival-esque bright colours and bold graphics, all whilst paying homage to the city’s Olympic debut later this year. Soccer embroidery, basketball shorts and dresses reminiscent of scuba suits all made an appearance, as well as nods to the grand prix with racing stripes and chequered prints.

Louis Vuitton | Cruise Show 2017 | Photography by Louis Vuitton

Another talking point was the 80’s style boom box bags – which fascinatingly, actually play music thanks to Bluetooth technology; a ghetto blaster is the new LV trunk, it would seem.

Also in accessories, playing to the home crowd was a hybrid of the flip-flop, tying in nicely with Brazil’s unofficial national footwear, Haivianas. Other nods to the country included keepie-uppie prints of Brazilian footballer Pelé, and kite-like paper leather dresses inspired by artist Hélio Oiticica.

Louis Vuitton | Cruise Show 2017 | Photography by Louis Vuitton

Ghesquiére on the collection says: “I think what defines our time is that women want to look sophisticated and they want casual sports clothes – those are the two big obsessions.” Which leads to conclude, whoever the LV woman this season maybe, she’s certainly one step ahead of the games.